Cecil Allerton Isadore Oakes

A Private with the 1/4th Battalion, Cecil died on 26th of September 1917 at the age of 20. 

Cecil was born at Corton on 24 April 1897, a son of Joseph and Jane Julia Isadore Oakes. He was baptised at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Corton, on 1 December 1897. In 1901 his family lived at Mill Lane, Corton. By 1911 his family were living at 5 Heath Cottages, Oulton Broad, and later his parents lived at Gayes Nurseries, 5 Heath Road, Oulton Broad. 

Before August 1915, Cecil volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 18817. Initially he served with the 3rd Battalion and was a qualified signaller. Cecil did not go overseas before 1916. He was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France.  

On 24 September 1917 the 1/4th Battalion moved to the eastern edge of Sanctuary Wood. On 26 September the Battalion moved forward to a line from Fitzclarence Farm to Glencorse Wood in readiness for an advance. This was held up and whilst waiting the Battalion suffered heavy casualties through enemy shelling. Heavy shelling, thick mist, and darkness, caused confusion and an organised attack was impossible. The men advances in small groups and by forward rushes. A small group managed to get to the enemy front line and were able to capture two machine-guns and 13 men, who gave valuable information.

The Battalion’s casualties were: two officers killed and seven wounded; 43 men killed, 150 wounded, and 63 missing.

Cecil was reported missing on 26 September and later presumed to have been killed in action on that date. After the war his body was found at map reference J.14.b.0.3. and identified from his identity disc. In 1919 he was reburied at Hooge Crater Cemetery. 

Cecil's brother, Stanley, served with the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916. His nephew, Cecil, served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and died in 1946.